DR. SWIFT.
331
which proceeds from ignorance and an invincible want of taste.
I have ordered a copy of this letter to be taken, with an intention to print it, as a mark of my esteem for you; which, however, perhaps I shall not pursue: for I could willingly excuse our two names from standing in the same paper, since I am confident you have as little desire of fame as I have to give it you.
I wish many happy new years to you and your family; and am, with truth,
Your friend and humble servant.
Let me add something serious: That, as it is held an imprudent thing to provoke valour; so, I confess, it was imprudent in me to provoke rudeness: which, as it was my own standing rule never to do, except in cases where I had power to punish it, so my errour proceeded from a better opinion of you than you have thought fit to make good: for, with every fault in your nature, your education, and your understanding, I never imagined you so utterly devoid of knowing some little distinction between persons.
FROM LORD BATHURST.
DEAR DEAN,
FEB. 12, 1729-30.
I HAVE this moment received a letter from you; but it is the first I can call a letter: the other scraps were only to direct me to convey your correspondence
to
